Can St. Elmo Fire Occur on Aircraft During Flight?

💡 The Answer

• Yes, airplanes often experience St. Elmo's fire on wing tips and nose cones.
• It happens when the aircraft flies through areas of strong electric fields near thunderstorms.
• Pilots see it as dancing blue flames, but it is harmless to the aircraft.
• Modern aircraft have static discharges to reduce corona buildup and protect electronics.